Jimmy Savile Investigation Ends with Number of Alleged Victims at 500

More than 500 people have come forward as victims of the late Jimmy Savile (Reuters)

Police have completed their investigation into allegations of abuse by Jimmy Savile, with the number of potential victims standing at more than 500.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson said that the "Savile" part of Operation Yewtree, which has been investigating historic claims of abuse, has finished and is expected to publish its findings in the New Year.

More than 200 allegations of sexual assault have been lodgeed against the former Top of the Pops presenter, who died in 2011 aged 84.

Officers are looking at three strands as part of Operation Yewtree: Claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others. The report will focus on allegations involving Savile. Investigations will continue into the other two areas.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We are extremely grateful to those victims who have contacted us and commend their bravery. Without them we would have no investigation.

"To date, in excess of 500 victims have come forward and we have recorded 200 allegations of sexual assault."

Savile has been described as one of the most prolific sex offenders in the UK and is alleged to have abused children in his BBC studio dressing room, hospitals, care homes and at Broadmoor psychiatric hospital.

Savile details assessed and finalised

A Met Police spokesman added: "The report is based on information provided from scores of victims who have come forward since early October.

"Details and data are still being assessed and finalised.

"It is hoped it will be published early in the New Year and will provide as clear a picture as possible on Savile's offending, giving a voice to those who have come forward and helping shape future child protection safeguards."

Seven people have been arrested as part of Operation Yewtree. Publicist Max Clifford, comedian Freddie Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and former TV producer Wilfred De'Ath all deny allegations against them.

Former pop star Gary Glitter has also been arrested but has not made a statement.

A man in his 60s was arrested on 10 December and a man in his 80s has also been questioned and as part of the inquiry.